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Will Trent #5
Fallen
ŷ Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Mystery & Thriller (2011)There’s no police training stronger than a cop’s instinct. Faith Mitchell’s mother isn’t answering her phone. Her front door is open. There’s a bloodstain above the knob. Her infant daughter is hidden in a shed behind the house. All that the Georgia Bureau of Investigations taught Faith Mitchell goes out the window when she charges into her mother’s house, gun drawn. She sees a man dead in the laundry room. She sees a hostage situation in the bedroom. What she doesn’t see is her mother. . . .
When the hostage situation turns deadly, Faith is left with too many questions, not enough answers. To find her mother, she’ll need the help of her partner, Will Trent, and they’ll both need the help of trauma doctor Sara Linton. But Faith isn’t just a cop anymore—she’s a witness. She’s also a suspect.
The thin blue line hides police corruption, bribery, even murder. Faith will have to go up against the people she respects the most in order to find her mother and bring the truth to light—or bury it forever.
Karin Slaughter’s most exhilarating novel yet is a thrilling journey through the heart and soul, where the personal and the criminal collide, and conflicted loyalties threaten to destroy reputations and ruin lives. It is the work of a master of the thriller at the top of her game, and a whirlwind of unrelenting suspense.
When the hostage situation turns deadly, Faith is left with too many questions, not enough answers. To find her mother, she’ll need the help of her partner, Will Trent, and they’ll both need the help of trauma doctor Sara Linton. But Faith isn’t just a cop anymore—she’s a witness. She’s also a suspect.
The thin blue line hides police corruption, bribery, even murder. Faith will have to go up against the people she respects the most in order to find her mother and bring the truth to light—or bury it forever.
Karin Slaughter’s most exhilarating novel yet is a thrilling journey through the heart and soul, where the personal and the criminal collide, and conflicted loyalties threaten to destroy reputations and ruin lives. It is the work of a master of the thriller at the top of her game, and a whirlwind of unrelenting suspense.
391 pages, Paperback
First published June 17, 2011
3,896 people are currently reading
26.8k people want to read
About the author
Karin Slaughter
143books79.8kfollowersKarin Slaughter is the author of twenty-five instant NEW YORK TIMES bestselling novels, including the Edgar–nominated COP TOWN and standalone novels THE GOOD DAUGHTER, PRETTY GIRLS, and GIRL, FORGOTTEN. She is published in 120 countries with more than 40 million copies sold across the globe. PIECES OF HER is a #1 Netflix original series starring Toni Collette. The Will Trent Series is on ABC (and streaming on Hulu in the U.S and Disney+ internationally). THE GOOD DAUGHTER and FALSE WITNESS are in development for film/tv. Slaughter is the founder of the Save the Libraries project—a nonprofit organization established to support libraries and library programming. A native of Georgia, she lives in Atlanta.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,420 reviews
June 28, 2024
Fallen is a fast-paced, action-packed, Faith Martin centered addition to the Will Trent Series.
When Faith Mitchell drives to her mother’s house to pick up her newborn daughter, Faith discovers her mother, Evelyn, is missing. Not only that, but there is also blood all over the house, a dead man in the laundry room, and bad guys ready to pounce on Faith. This all happens in the first chapter and the book never really slows down. Faith not only has to deal with being a new mother, but she also has to deal with her mother’s kidnapping, her brother’s return (he’s an a**hole,), her baby daddy, and some dark secrets from the past.
Will is there to support Faith both as a friend and partner. I love how these two play off of each other. Will is also dealing with Betty having an unfortunate encounter with a Hawk (this had me LMAO), the brief, yet annoying return of Angie, as well as his growing feelings for Sara. The "will they, won't they" question is finally answered.
After reading book 4, I really missed Faith, Amanda, and, of course, Betty. Fallen makes up for this by having the entire plot revolve around Faith, who after Betty, becoming even more of a favorite. I enjoyed seeing how her character has grown and also learning more about her family history.
Onto book 6!
When Faith Mitchell drives to her mother’s house to pick up her newborn daughter, Faith discovers her mother, Evelyn, is missing. Not only that, but there is also blood all over the house, a dead man in the laundry room, and bad guys ready to pounce on Faith. This all happens in the first chapter and the book never really slows down. Faith not only has to deal with being a new mother, but she also has to deal with her mother’s kidnapping, her brother’s return (he’s an a**hole,), her baby daddy, and some dark secrets from the past.
Will is there to support Faith both as a friend and partner. I love how these two play off of each other. Will is also dealing with Betty having an unfortunate encounter with a Hawk (this had me LMAO), the brief, yet annoying return of Angie, as well as his growing feelings for Sara. The "will they, won't they" question is finally answered.
After reading book 4, I really missed Faith, Amanda, and, of course, Betty. Fallen makes up for this by having the entire plot revolve around Faith, who after Betty, becoming even more of a favorite. I enjoyed seeing how her character has grown and also learning more about her family history.
Onto book 6!
June 30, 2011
4.5 stars I have a theory that it's nearly impossible to read a Karin Slaughter book in more than a day. She's one of the few authors whose books I NEED to get and devour on the day they're released because I'm so engrossed in the characters and have been waiting a whole year to find out what happens to them next. If you like your murder mysteries on the dark and gritty side, if you're fascinated by the seething violence lurking in the human psyche, this author is a definitely going to make your favorites list.
This third installment in her Georgia series, which chronologically follows the Grant County and Will Trent series, absolutely delivers on the page-turning thrills. GBI agent Faith Mitchell comes home from work one day to find her mother missing, her baby locked in the shed, a dead guy in the living room, and a bloody handprint above the open door. What the hell is going on? And how can she investigate the situation when she's been implicated in the crime?
Leading the investigation is Faith's partner Will Trent, who is still trying to hide his high-functioning dyslexia as well as his attraction to former coroner Dr. Sara Linton. Will is one of the most interesting characters I've ever come across--he is highly principled, a fantastic agent, and incredibly damaged by his childhood. Will's taciturn nature keeps most of his colleagues at a distance, but the painful patterns set in his past continue to shape the difficult circumstances of his present, and as usual he has to fight his demons so he can function in his job. Fans of this series have been waiting literally years for some measure of happiness for Will, and it's a pleasure to say that Fallen does not disappoint in that respect.
Slaughter (that is, believe it or not, not a pen name) continues to deliver high-tension thrills, hard-nosed yet vulnerable characters and violent, fast-paced action. As with all her books, this latest installment is exceptionally well-written and meticulously detailed, as well as filled with fascinating insight into forensic pathology, police procedurals, and human behavior. If you've never picked up one of her books...what are you waiting for?
***
For anyone who is interested in checking out this series, please note that it's important to read them in order since the author wrote two separate series that eventually merge. Here's the order in which they should be read:
Grant County Series:
Kisscut
A Faint, Cold Fear
Indelible
Faithless
Beyond Reach
Will Trent Series
These two books can be read (in order) concurrently with the above, but read them before you read the third batch.
Fractured
Georgia Series (merging of two sets of characters)
Undone
Broken
Fallen
Fair warning that they are fairly violent and occasionally gruesome...so they are definitely not for the faint of heart.
This third installment in her Georgia series, which chronologically follows the Grant County and Will Trent series, absolutely delivers on the page-turning thrills. GBI agent Faith Mitchell comes home from work one day to find her mother missing, her baby locked in the shed, a dead guy in the living room, and a bloody handprint above the open door. What the hell is going on? And how can she investigate the situation when she's been implicated in the crime?
Leading the investigation is Faith's partner Will Trent, who is still trying to hide his high-functioning dyslexia as well as his attraction to former coroner Dr. Sara Linton. Will is one of the most interesting characters I've ever come across--he is highly principled, a fantastic agent, and incredibly damaged by his childhood. Will's taciturn nature keeps most of his colleagues at a distance, but the painful patterns set in his past continue to shape the difficult circumstances of his present, and as usual he has to fight his demons so he can function in his job. Fans of this series have been waiting literally years for some measure of happiness for Will, and it's a pleasure to say that Fallen does not disappoint in that respect.
Slaughter (that is, believe it or not, not a pen name) continues to deliver high-tension thrills, hard-nosed yet vulnerable characters and violent, fast-paced action. As with all her books, this latest installment is exceptionally well-written and meticulously detailed, as well as filled with fascinating insight into forensic pathology, police procedurals, and human behavior. If you've never picked up one of her books...what are you waiting for?
***
For anyone who is interested in checking out this series, please note that it's important to read them in order since the author wrote two separate series that eventually merge. Here's the order in which they should be read:
Grant County Series:
Kisscut
A Faint, Cold Fear
Indelible
Faithless
Beyond Reach
Will Trent Series
These two books can be read (in order) concurrently with the above, but read them before you read the third batch.
Fractured
Georgia Series (merging of two sets of characters)
Undone
Broken
Fallen
Fair warning that they are fairly violent and occasionally gruesome...so they are definitely not for the faint of heart.
June 9, 2017
Fallen by Karin Slaughter is a 2012 Dell/Random House publication.
This fifth installment in the Will Trent series may be, arguably, I’m sure, the best one of the series thus far.
Evelyn is babysitting for Faith when she becomes a victim of a home invasion. Once Faith arrives, she finds Emma safe and sound, but Evelyn has been taken.
From this point on, the drama, action and suspense are a non-stop rollercoaster ride. Many burning questions are answered and some huge developments take place in the Sara/Will/Angie saga.
Slaughter really knows how to create rich characters, both good and bad, and manages to blend personal dramas with crime stories with perfect precision and timing.
I was pleased to see all the characters take part in this one, in one way or another, and I was so happy to finally learn the truth about Evelyn’s past, and see Will begin to heal and break away from some influences that have been holding him back. I just hope it sticks this time.
I highly recommend this series, if you haven’t read it yet. Slaughter is one the best crime/thriller authors out there and Will Trent is a terrific character! I strongly suggest reading the series in order for the best enjoyment of them.
4.5 stars
This fifth installment in the Will Trent series may be, arguably, I’m sure, the best one of the series thus far.
Evelyn is babysitting for Faith when she becomes a victim of a home invasion. Once Faith arrives, she finds Emma safe and sound, but Evelyn has been taken.
From this point on, the drama, action and suspense are a non-stop rollercoaster ride. Many burning questions are answered and some huge developments take place in the Sara/Will/Angie saga.
Slaughter really knows how to create rich characters, both good and bad, and manages to blend personal dramas with crime stories with perfect precision and timing.
I was pleased to see all the characters take part in this one, in one way or another, and I was so happy to finally learn the truth about Evelyn’s past, and see Will begin to heal and break away from some influences that have been holding him back. I just hope it sticks this time.
I highly recommend this series, if you haven’t read it yet. Slaughter is one the best crime/thriller authors out there and Will Trent is a terrific character! I strongly suggest reading the series in order for the best enjoyment of them.
4.5 stars
October 29, 2015
She didn’t flinch. She didn’t falter. Instead, she put her forehead to his, looked him in the eye and told him, “Breathe.� Will let out a breath he felt like he’d been holding his entire life.
I LOVE THIS SERIES. I LOVE WILL TRENT. �
From book to book there isn’t a connection with the plots. With each book you get a story that sucks you in right from the get go and doesn’t let you go until you turn that last page. Each of the characters are changing in ways that are intriguing. Karin Slaughter is careful with what she reveals to the reader leaving you anxious to know more.
In Fallen the events that happen involve Will, his partner Faith, her mother Evelyn, a variety of other characters and of course Amanda. She sets my nerves on edge. I know I have said this before, but she makes me so nervous when she is around Will. She can be such a cold bitch. Her words are harsh and demeaning but there is something about her that rests just below the surface that makes you wonder. I wonder why she just doesn’t let Will go.
Faith has always been a tough cookie. She is stubborn, determined and has to be in control of her life at all times. When something happens involving her mother her world is shaken in such a way that she loses all her control.
And then there is Will. I love every damaged piece of this man. He isn’t your story book sexy as sin hero either. He is rather quirky and awkward. He is handsome and is body isn’t lacking by any means. But life has not been easy for Will. Not for one moment. He protects himself from happiness and always expects the inevitable.
Sara is the wildcard in Will’s life. At least that is how I feel about her at the moment. I love her and I love what she represents to Will. Relationships with women have always been difficult for him. With Sara he feels things he hasn’t before.
As I said, in Fallen the characters are changing. The events that take place change Faith forever and things about Amanda and Evelyn’s past shed light on what they were like in their younger days on the police force. Their lives so intertwined. Will still battles his demons and Angie is still a BITCH. But something changes between them. It is about f’ing time.
May 23, 2023
Just as good on the re-read (listen). I had forgotten how gory these books can be. Don't know who was the bigger bitch in this one, Angie or Amanda - not much between them.
---------------------------
ORIGINAL REVIEW ...
I don't know what it is about Will that endears me to him. He is not movie star handsome, he is socially inept in many ways, he is awkward. But he is lovable. He had a tough upbringing but that didn't make him mean and tough, quite the opposite actually.
We have a situation involving Lena, her mother, Amanda and a cast of characters from the past. But who is guilty? Who is innocent? Slaughter has a great way of writing where you seriously don't know who to believe.
Yeah, Amanda is a bit of a cunt alright.
Angie. What to say about her? I know she had a horrible upbringing but I cannot feel sympathy or empathy for her. I just cannot.
I swear there was one scene and I was literally holding my breath.
Was there closure? Was there a HEA? Did they get their white picket fence in the country? You will just have to read it and see.... There is a lot more to come out in future books, I think. All I can say is that I love Will and Sara. And I hate Angie. Did I already say that?
---------------------------
ORIGINAL REVIEW ...
I don't know what it is about Will that endears me to him. He is not movie star handsome, he is socially inept in many ways, he is awkward. But he is lovable. He had a tough upbringing but that didn't make him mean and tough, quite the opposite actually.
He wasn't even her type.
We have a situation involving Lena, her mother, Amanda and a cast of characters from the past. But who is guilty? Who is innocent? Slaughter has a great way of writing where you seriously don't know who to believe.
She had been so stupid.
One mistake so many years ago.
One terrible, stupid mistake.
"I changed my mind."
"It's slang for 'cunt'." She laughed.
"Why, Will, are you calling me a cunt?"
If only she knew how many times he'd been tempted.
Yeah, Amanda is a bit of a cunt alright.
Will didn't look up. Instead, he took her hand. His fingers laced through hers.
Angie. What to say about her? I know she had a horrible upbringing but I cannot feel sympathy or empathy for her. I just cannot.
This was their dance.
Anger.
Fear.
Violence.
Never compassion.
Never kindness.
I swear there was one scene and I was literally holding my breath.
His breath caught when her hand slipped inside his shirt. Her fingers brushed over his chest, down his belly. She didn't flinch. Instead she put her forehead to his, looked him in the eye ...
Was there closure? Was there a HEA? Did they get their white picket fence in the country? You will just have to read it and see.... There is a lot more to come out in future books, I think. All I can say is that I love Will and Sara. And I hate Angie. Did I already say that?
February 17, 2020
5 Thrilling Stars
Oh My Goodness! Has My Heart Stopped Pounding?! I think Not!
Poor Faith Mitchell! My Heart was in my throat for most of this novel. “Fallen� by Karin Slaughter got me good. I felt for Faith Mitchell so much I couldn’t imagine being in her position. Driving up to her mother, Evelyn Mitchell’s house, expecting to pick up her baby girl and finding blood on the door handle? Then discovering the house in disarray, her mother gone, a dead body and having to protect herself and her daughter against two assailants?!
All in the span of a few minutes?! Dear me!
After what happened, Faith can’t even take part in the investigation! She has to leave it up to her boss Amanda Wagner and Will Trent.
It’s those Secrets that’ll Getcha!
What a Terrifying Thriller! I just Loved “Fallen!� Kudos to Karen Slaughter for giving the readers an action packed ride through CRAZY TOWN!
I know I said I loved Faith Mitchell in my last review, but my love for her then didn’t compare to my love for her now! She is one strong woman! As for her partnership with Will Trent? I love how they have each other’s backs regardless.
Thank you once again to my local library for the loan.
Published on ŷ on 2.17.20.
Oh My Goodness! Has My Heart Stopped Pounding?! I think Not!
Poor Faith Mitchell! My Heart was in my throat for most of this novel. “Fallen� by Karin Slaughter got me good. I felt for Faith Mitchell so much I couldn’t imagine being in her position. Driving up to her mother, Evelyn Mitchell’s house, expecting to pick up her baby girl and finding blood on the door handle? Then discovering the house in disarray, her mother gone, a dead body and having to protect herself and her daughter against two assailants?!
All in the span of a few minutes?! Dear me!
After what happened, Faith can’t even take part in the investigation! She has to leave it up to her boss Amanda Wagner and Will Trent.
It’s those Secrets that’ll Getcha!
What a Terrifying Thriller! I just Loved “Fallen!� Kudos to Karen Slaughter for giving the readers an action packed ride through CRAZY TOWN!
I know I said I loved Faith Mitchell in my last review, but my love for her then didn’t compare to my love for her now! She is one strong woman! As for her partnership with Will Trent? I love how they have each other’s backs regardless.
Thank you once again to my local library for the loan.
Published on ŷ on 2.17.20.
May 19, 2019
Finally, Will and Sara are together! Yay! This is the culmination of a sad and lonely existence for both of them. These 2 fine people deserve some happiness, especially Will.
Before that happens though there is a great story which involves Faith and her Mom and a pretty colossal secret that is finally revealed. Faith and her Mom have always had a loving relationship and this brings them even closer. Both are cops and have to be strong in a man's world which helps them overcome a devastating blow. No one is safe from predators, not even the police.
Before that happens though there is a great story which involves Faith and her Mom and a pretty colossal secret that is finally revealed. Faith and her Mom have always had a loving relationship and this brings them even closer. Both are cops and have to be strong in a man's world which helps them overcome a devastating blow. No one is safe from predators, not even the police.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 23, 2021
"Ik voelde me soms echt alsof ik in een tsunami terecht kwam en overspoeld werd met een boel informatie. Ik kijk wel al uit naar het volgende deel uit de serie, want ook na vijf delen ben ik nog lang niet uitgekeken op Will Trent, Sara Linton & Faith Mitchell!"
December 28, 2021
The story starts with a bang when GBI Agent Faith Mitchell returns to her mother, Evelyn's home to pick up her infant daughter, Emma, and finds a chilling situation. When the dust settles, the house is a major crime scene and Evelyn is missing. It's now a race against time to figure out the who, why and where.
I couldn't stop listening to this story, told from many characters' points of view. It was often difficult to keep up with all of the minor gangsters but it didn't matter...you knew they were dangerous. One of the highlights was finally getting the truth of Evelyn's role in her former narcotics team's dirty activities. Another was Will and Sara's developing relationship, including his wife Angie. It was as complicated as I'd imagined.
The writing, characterizations and storytelling are the finest. It's really hard resisting the need to jump right into the next book so I won't. This was just excellent. And, as usual, the narration, this time by Shannon Cochran, was pitch perfect.
I couldn't stop listening to this story, told from many characters' points of view. It was often difficult to keep up with all of the minor gangsters but it didn't matter...you knew they were dangerous. One of the highlights was finally getting the truth of Evelyn's role in her former narcotics team's dirty activities. Another was Will and Sara's developing relationship, including his wife Angie. It was as complicated as I'd imagined.
The writing, characterizations and storytelling are the finest. It's really hard resisting the need to jump right into the next book so I won't. This was just excellent. And, as usual, the narration, this time by Shannon Cochran, was pitch perfect.
May 19, 2017
Finally!!! Will has someone in his life that actually cares about him and understands what he went through as a kid. I love Sara for him. Great book as well.
December 24, 2023
As Special Agent Faith Mitchell returned home from the conference that had run over by at least two hours, she tried to contact her mother, who was looking after Faith's baby daughter, Emma. Being unable to raise her, Faith became increasingly stressed and when she arrived at her mother's home, she was shocked to the core at what she found and at events that followed.
Faith's mother, Evelyn Mitchell, was retired from the Atlanta police force after an investigation put the members of her team in prison. Agent Will Trent was part of that investigation. Now he and Amanda Wagner, Will's boss and Evelyn's best friend, were tasked with finding Evelyn, hoping they weren't too late. Faith was suspended from the GBI after the questions that were fired at her when her mother disappeared, and the bodies that littered the home. Would they find Evelyn alive? And what was the motive for her kidnap? Will felt it was personal, Faith was keeping secrets and Dr Sara Linton wasn't sure what was going on...
is the 5th in the Will Trent series by and I was captivated by the fast pace, the full-on and extreme nature of the plot. The wild ride and the violence is part of this author's work - she brings it all to a close neatly. Recommended.
Faith's mother, Evelyn Mitchell, was retired from the Atlanta police force after an investigation put the members of her team in prison. Agent Will Trent was part of that investigation. Now he and Amanda Wagner, Will's boss and Evelyn's best friend, were tasked with finding Evelyn, hoping they weren't too late. Faith was suspended from the GBI after the questions that were fired at her when her mother disappeared, and the bodies that littered the home. Would they find Evelyn alive? And what was the motive for her kidnap? Will felt it was personal, Faith was keeping secrets and Dr Sara Linton wasn't sure what was going on...
is the 5th in the Will Trent series by and I was captivated by the fast pace, the full-on and extreme nature of the plot. The wild ride and the violence is part of this author's work - she brings it all to a close neatly. Recommended.
December 30, 2024
I am listening to the books in the order written and I am really enjoying the series and recommend all of it. Katheen Early, the reader does a fantastic job with all the different characters. I liked this volume as we learn more about the backgrounds of all the main characters. I didn't love the rationale for the crime so that is why it's not a 5*. Looking forward to the next book.
October 17, 2021
5 Stars for Fallen: Will Trent #5 (audiobook) by Karin Slaughter read by Shannon Cochran.
This was another fast paced and hard hitting Will Trent novel. I think the characters are wonderful. It’s fun getting to know the characters a little better in each story. I’m looking forward to listening to the next book.
This was another fast paced and hard hitting Will Trent novel. I think the characters are wonderful. It’s fun getting to know the characters a little better in each story. I’m looking forward to listening to the next book.
February 9, 2017
I'm seriously running out of accolades for this series and author. Karin Slaughter is simply one of the best in Suspense & Romance Suspense. Once again, I found myself flipping/reading pages as fast as I could, heart pounding, anticipation soaring. Fallen starts off with a sense of impending doom as Faith is running late & fails to reach her mother, who is babysitting Faith's infant daughter, by phone. After finally reaching her home, Faith's fear ratchets up another notch at the sounds of her baby crying in a locked shed out back and at the bloody hand print on the backdoor of the house. The tension intensifies as Faith enters the house to find the kitchen splattered in blood, a dead man on the floor, and voices coming from upstairs. This all occurs in Chapter 1. Suffice it to say, the tone is set for the rest of the book. I really dislike spoilers so I won't say more. Fallen is intriguing & tightly woven with twists & turns - a mystery to be solved. And the character development is HUGE . . .Will, Sara, Faith, Amanda...secrets are revealed, bonds are formed. I have rejoiced & cried with the characters of Grant County & the Will Trent series. The developments in Fallen really touched my heart. Thank you, Karin Slaughter.
December 24, 2024
Will Trent is such a GOOD MAN. He is purely good in his professional life, and woefully unlucky in his personal life. His terrible childhood have left scars both emotionally and physically, these have serious ramifications in his life. While this is evident and always on the surface, he has always been able to do his job well, and manage the hard parts while dealing with cases that require a lot of care.
Sara Linton is now deeply involved in the cases he comes across, her presence is welcome as they are both fantastically written characters, moral and sensible when many around them are not. Faith Mitchell is an excellent ally, but here we find her in deep trouble. It was always curious the history with her mother, who Will just happened to investigate for corruption, this was alluded to - she did lose her job but retain her pension.
Karin Slaughter weaves together her characters, their backgrounds and personality clashes very well. Angie is a queen manipulator, and here we learn more about her childhood, and the inexcusable behaviours toward Will. Sara does seem to run into her at the most inopportune times; the one liners excellent - Angie's vindictiveness on show, and Sara's self control top notch. The twisted dance that is Will and Angie is addictively troublesome.
This is why Will and Sara blend seamlessly. Amanda Wagner shows her teeth, she packs so much into her tiny stilettos, never missing a beat. One scene with Will took my breath away - her callousness v. his strength of conviction. LOVE HIM.
Another excellent chapter in this powerful series, I love this author's work, she can do no wrong in my eyes. Love it all.
I listened to to this via the Libby app and my public library. Propulsive, gripping. I am riveted at every moment of these books.
Sara Linton is now deeply involved in the cases he comes across, her presence is welcome as they are both fantastically written characters, moral and sensible when many around them are not. Faith Mitchell is an excellent ally, but here we find her in deep trouble. It was always curious the history with her mother, who Will just happened to investigate for corruption, this was alluded to - she did lose her job but retain her pension.
Karin Slaughter weaves together her characters, their backgrounds and personality clashes very well. Angie is a queen manipulator, and here we learn more about her childhood, and the inexcusable behaviours toward Will. Sara does seem to run into her at the most inopportune times; the one liners excellent - Angie's vindictiveness on show, and Sara's self control top notch. The twisted dance that is Will and Angie is addictively troublesome.
This is why Will and Sara blend seamlessly. Amanda Wagner shows her teeth, she packs so much into her tiny stilettos, never missing a beat. One scene with Will took my breath away - her callousness v. his strength of conviction. LOVE HIM.
Another excellent chapter in this powerful series, I love this author's work, she can do no wrong in my eyes. Love it all.
I listened to to this via the Libby app and my public library. Propulsive, gripping. I am riveted at every moment of these books.
July 22, 2019
Unputdownable!
Faith Mitchell is an officer with The Georgia Bureau of Investigations. Her mother is supposed to be watching her daughter for her while she's at a seminar, but when Faith comes home she finds a man dead in the laundry room, her daughter locked in a car port, and a hostage situation in her bedroom. What she doesn't see is her mother.
This was a story about gang wars, family ties, and secrets that have never seen the light of day. It's the 5th in Karin Slaughter's Will Trent mysteries, and it didn't lull. I can't get enough of her writing. Hooray!
Faith Mitchell is an officer with The Georgia Bureau of Investigations. Her mother is supposed to be watching her daughter for her while she's at a seminar, but when Faith comes home she finds a man dead in the laundry room, her daughter locked in a car port, and a hostage situation in her bedroom. What she doesn't see is her mother.
This was a story about gang wars, family ties, and secrets that have never seen the light of day. It's the 5th in Karin Slaughter's Will Trent mysteries, and it didn't lull. I can't get enough of her writing. Hooray!
August 7, 2012
Another book passed on by my Mother In law, and frankly I must have upset her recently in some way. This was amazingly disappointing for a Karin Slaughter book.
Previous books of hers have torn along at a frantic pace, real page turners, but this felt like a plodding old horse, crying out to be put out of it's misery.
Normally the plots are rivetting and unfold in unexpected ways. This felt like a non-story from start to finish. It was clear that the missing mother was alive, and was likely to remain that way, so no tension created. The story limps along from one murder to the next, with none of the characters dying having any emotional tie in to the reader.
I'm used to having one unlikeable character in a Slaughter book (Lena Adams springs to mind easily in this regard) but this offering had them by the bus load. This made it even harder to buy into a poorly plotted book.
There are some great Karin Slaughter books out there, but this isn't one of them. I'm hoping this is a deviation from the normally sparkling offerings.
Previous books of hers have torn along at a frantic pace, real page turners, but this felt like a plodding old horse, crying out to be put out of it's misery.
Normally the plots are rivetting and unfold in unexpected ways. This felt like a non-story from start to finish. It was clear that the missing mother was alive, and was likely to remain that way, so no tension created. The story limps along from one murder to the next, with none of the characters dying having any emotional tie in to the reader.
I'm used to having one unlikeable character in a Slaughter book (Lena Adams springs to mind easily in this regard) but this offering had them by the bus load. This made it even harder to buy into a poorly plotted book.
There are some great Karin Slaughter books out there, but this isn't one of them. I'm hoping this is a deviation from the normally sparkling offerings.
November 11, 2017
It is safe to say that I have "fallen" in love with Slaughter's Will Trent series. Slaughter has quickly become one of my favorite go to Authors. I love her writing, the suspense, the dialogue, the attention to detail, the character development and yes, even the blossoming love story. I really like how Slaughter gives us characters with flaws, with demons, with things that haunt them. For me it makes them more real, more believable and I just want to sometimes shake them silly, sometimes cheer for them, and sometimes want to give them a good hard smack on the ass to get them moving in the right direction.
In this book, Faith (Will's partner) is running late to pick up her daughter at her Mother's home. When Faith arrives she quickly realizes something is not quite right and sees a bloody hand print on the door, her baby locked in a shed, a dead man, no sign of her Mother and shoots two men involved in the incident.
Our hero, Will Trent is leading the investigation. Will continues to be reserved and a man of few words. He is still trying to hide his dyslexia which I wish he would just get over it's no big deal but to his character it is. He also continues with his beginning relationship with Sara (who we know from the Grant County series). Will perhaps Will always have demons that haunt him which is why he is probably so interesting and character with the most development. I predict we will learn more and more about him as he begins to open up to Sara. Speaking with Sara, like in the Grant County Series, she also helps with the investigation giving her expert medical opinions.
This is a book where the past and the present collide for some characters. We learn some more about Evelyn, Faith's Mother. There are also some revelations made in Faith's own life.
This was a very enjoyable fast read. I had to keep reading to see what would happen next. This is where Slaughter shines. She just knows how to write suspense/thrillers. My pages kept turning and turning.
Looking forward to the next book in the series.
See more of my reviews at
In this book, Faith (Will's partner) is running late to pick up her daughter at her Mother's home. When Faith arrives she quickly realizes something is not quite right and sees a bloody hand print on the door, her baby locked in a shed, a dead man, no sign of her Mother and shoots two men involved in the incident.
Our hero, Will Trent is leading the investigation. Will continues to be reserved and a man of few words. He is still trying to hide his dyslexia which I wish he would just get over it's no big deal but to his character it is. He also continues with his beginning relationship with Sara (who we know from the Grant County series). Will perhaps Will always have demons that haunt him which is why he is probably so interesting and character with the most development. I predict we will learn more and more about him as he begins to open up to Sara. Speaking with Sara, like in the Grant County Series, she also helps with the investigation giving her expert medical opinions.
This is a book where the past and the present collide for some characters. We learn some more about Evelyn, Faith's Mother. There are also some revelations made in Faith's own life.
This was a very enjoyable fast read. I had to keep reading to see what would happen next. This is where Slaughter shines. She just knows how to write suspense/thrillers. My pages kept turning and turning.
Looking forward to the next book in the series.
See more of my reviews at
April 20, 2017
This year I'm doing a Reading Challenge; so I have 26 books with specific subjects that I need to read.
Book 19: A book with an one-word title
These books never fail to engage and impress!
Before I started this book I was in the beginning of a bad reading slump, but as always pulled me right out of it. Her writing style is so fluent and addictive, you just can't help but read and read and read.
In we get a snippet of what Faith's life was about before she joined the GBI (Georgia Bureau of Investigation) and partnered up with Will.
I really like how keeps the main story flowing but still gives you such a thorough back ground on each character that you can almost say the book was a dedication to them. It just add that extras to make it so real that you almost believe you are reading a true story.
Although these books can be read as standalone stories I'm a sucker for the main characters and the relationships that develop between them, so I try and read them in order. Which made this book a favorite because Will finally stands up for himself, I love how he grows form book to book.
Actually I love how all the characters change and adapt.
I'm slowly running out of books for this series, which is kind of depressing.
I can't see my life without Will, Sara, Faith and Amanda in it.
May 18, 2017
So good! I was on the edge of my seat!
Amanda is a tough old broad, and the relationship between her and Will is very much like a dysfunctional mother and son. Still, I think she's on his side. Hope so anyhow.
I'm falling harder for Will with every installment.
Faith had some tough times, but made good choices for the most part.
Angie is a manipulative bitch who never ceases to amaze me with her cruelty, and selfishness! She's horrible! I can't stand her and I hope she is
On to the next one!
Amanda is a tough old broad, and the relationship between her and Will is very much like a dysfunctional mother and son. Still, I think she's on his side. Hope so anyhow.
I'm falling harder for Will with every installment.
Faith had some tough times, but made good choices for the most part.
Angie is a manipulative bitch who never ceases to amaze me with her cruelty, and selfishness! She's horrible! I can't stand her and I hope she is
On to the next one!
February 19, 2021
4.5 Gritty Thriller Stars
Oh, Karin Slaughter, you really know how to get me. I'm totally loving reading this series and Will Trent is such a great character.
This installment is very focused on Will's partner Faith. She shows up at her mother's house to a bloodbath and her mother is missing. The rest of the book focuses on figuring out why she was taken and how to get her back.
Action-packed and typical of Slaughter, a few scenes are not for the faint of heart. I love that this was the real start of the Will and Sara romance. Those two seem to be a great fit! Although I know some readers are super attached to Jeffrey Tolliver still.
I'm excited that I still have four more of these to read!
Oh, Karin Slaughter, you really know how to get me. I'm totally loving reading this series and Will Trent is such a great character.
This installment is very focused on Will's partner Faith. She shows up at her mother's house to a bloodbath and her mother is missing. The rest of the book focuses on figuring out why she was taken and how to get her back.
Action-packed and typical of Slaughter, a few scenes are not for the faint of heart. I love that this was the real start of the Will and Sara romance. Those two seem to be a great fit! Although I know some readers are super attached to Jeffrey Tolliver still.
I'm excited that I still have four more of these to read!
February 6, 2017
I haven't exactly been a great fan of Slaughter's Will Trent series, preferring the Grant County series, until now.
She has really hit her stride in this, the fifth of the series. This is a thrilling and exhilarating read that finally begins to pull all the strands together.
I do often wonder though, when Sara Linton gets time to tend to her Paediatric practice? She is always so busy catching criminals!
4.5 stars upgraded to 5 stars
She has really hit her stride in this, the fifth of the series. This is a thrilling and exhilarating read that finally begins to pull all the strands together.
I do often wonder though, when Sara Linton gets time to tend to her Paediatric practice? She is always so busy catching criminals!
4.5 stars upgraded to 5 stars
September 1, 2024
How far would you go to hide your secrets? Evelyn Mitchell, former APD Captain, went to great lengths. Will and Faith are once again thrust into the thick of things, and this time it’s extremely personal. Gritty, twisting plot, and lots of heartfelt moments. Read it!!
June 6, 2023
There are higher stakes (with heavier consequences) for Will Trent and Faith Mitchell this time around, and not knowing who they can actually trust as they stumble through the madness is only the beginning of their problems. Slaughter went deep with this one.
4 Bullet-Torn Stars
4 Bullet-Torn Stars
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June 6, 2024
Audiobook - 12:35 Hours - Narrator: Jennifer Woodward
(Note: Edited 06-06-2024)
DNF @ 35%
I listened 04:15 Hours (4 CD's) of this audiobook, but finally I gave up, not because I didn't like the book, but I simply could not understand the narration by Jennifer Woodward. Almost every character sounded the same, with not even a slightly deeper voice for Will and it all sounded like she was gabbling. The slower iPhone setting (.75) did not help.
Edit 06-2024:Unfortunately (M)y copy of "Will Trent, #6, Criminal", is also narrated by Jennifer Woodward. I have found one narrated by Kathleen Early and will listen to that asap.
My next Slaughter audiobook is "Will Trent, #7, Unseen", narrated by Penelope Rawlins. I have started listening to this and the narration sounds much better.
Edit 06-2024: "Unseen" rated 5-Stars for me July 2019 - see my review.
(Note: Edited 06-06-2024)
DNF @ 35%
I listened 04:15 Hours (4 CD's) of this audiobook, but finally I gave up, not because I didn't like the book, but I simply could not understand the narration by Jennifer Woodward. Almost every character sounded the same, with not even a slightly deeper voice for Will and it all sounded like she was gabbling. The slower iPhone setting (.75) did not help.
Edit 06-2024:
My next Slaughter audiobook is "Will Trent, #7, Unseen", narrated by Penelope Rawlins. I have started listening to this and the narration sounds much better.
Edit 06-2024: "Unseen" rated 5-Stars for me July 2019 - see my review.
February 16, 2020
It is official. I am halfway through the Will Trent series. I should be all caught up for when book 10 is released this year. Fallen by Karin Slaughter has to be the most suspenseful book in the series yet. In true Karin Slaughter fashion, the book begins with Faith Mitchell heading home from training and her mother, who is watching her daughter, isn’t answering the phone. She gets home and discovers a bloody handprint on the door and her mother gone. Her daughter is safely tucked away in the shed. Faith has now gone from GBI Investigator to the victim, and also a suspect. Only Will Trent, Sara Linton, and Amanda Wagner can help. However, can Faith put her trust in them to bring her mother home?
YES. YES. YES. I have a confession. I LIVE for Amanda Wagner. Sure, she has her faults but she doesn’t give a shit what anyone thinks and will take down anyone in her way. She is my hero and I want to be her when I grow up. After a serious lack of her character in the previous book, it was so refreshing to see her more often in this book. She takes on a bigger role since she is best friends with Evelyn Mitchell, who is Faith Mitchell’s mother. I swear Karin Slaughter if you kill her off in future books, I will crawl into a hole and cry for weeks. But you have my full permission to kill of Angie, Will Trent’s good-for-nothing ex-wife.
As always, the cast of characters is fantastic and has a great dynamic. I love seeing them all have to team up and work together. They are like the dream team. Will Trent has a lot to deal with in this book. Faith is his partner and he refuses to lose her. But then there is the growing chemistry with Sara and the Angie problem. The growth over the last few books is fantastic.
This book is just a huge avalanche of suspense. There is not a moment to breathe, so it causes problems when it is time to put the book down. Again, the ending is shocking and not even remotely predictable. I love it. I already borrowed, Snatched, from the library, which is book 5.5 in the series. Obviously, I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.
YES. YES. YES. I have a confession. I LIVE for Amanda Wagner. Sure, she has her faults but she doesn’t give a shit what anyone thinks and will take down anyone in her way. She is my hero and I want to be her when I grow up. After a serious lack of her character in the previous book, it was so refreshing to see her more often in this book. She takes on a bigger role since she is best friends with Evelyn Mitchell, who is Faith Mitchell’s mother. I swear Karin Slaughter if you kill her off in future books, I will crawl into a hole and cry for weeks. But you have my full permission to kill of Angie, Will Trent’s good-for-nothing ex-wife.
As always, the cast of characters is fantastic and has a great dynamic. I love seeing them all have to team up and work together. They are like the dream team. Will Trent has a lot to deal with in this book. Faith is his partner and he refuses to lose her. But then there is the growing chemistry with Sara and the Angie problem. The growth over the last few books is fantastic.
This book is just a huge avalanche of suspense. There is not a moment to breathe, so it causes problems when it is time to put the book down. Again, the ending is shocking and not even remotely predictable. I love it. I already borrowed, Snatched, from the library, which is book 5.5 in the series. Obviously, I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.
January 18, 2021
Audio 5 Stars
Story 5 Stars
This series is so addictive! I love how complex and flawed the characters are. Will Trent is the kind of hero I could read endlessly about. 😍
Story 5 Stars
This series is so addictive! I love how complex and flawed the characters are. Will Trent is the kind of hero I could read endlessly about. 😍
June 29, 2023
Before I review this book, let me share the story of how I came to read this one, out of order. Oh my!
As it turns out, I have already reached my limit of library holds so I couldn’t order the next book in the series. (Okay, I admit it, I am a bit of an inpatient reader!)
So, I went to my local Library and took the available Karin Slaughter books off the shelf, which was this one and one of her stand-alones � not part of any of her regular series, titled, “Cop Town.�
Taking a chance, (meaning, I was going to give in to my inpatient self and not read the series in order � and actually begin a new series � also, out of order) I decided to begin reading this one, which immediately drew me in.
And then, I realized why you don’t read them out of order.
As it turns out, I learned that one of the characters that happened to be part of the Grant County Series (apparently, they criss cross series) was revealed to me as having met with a tragedy (yikes!), and now, I need to know what happened! Are you still with me?
So, now you get why some books that are part of a series can’t just be read as stand-alone books.
And of course, I read this one, which is #5 in another one of her series, so am I in serious trouble?!!!
Although, I have to admit, it did feel like a stand-alone to some extent. I know, I appear to be contradicting myself.
Even though I recognized the one character from her other series, and knew that the characters in this series had worked together, the story still flowed and kept me engaged. So, in many respects, I give credit to the author for making that possible.
To be honest, the story grabbed my attention from the first page, just as Blindsighted did, and didn’t let me go until I turned the last page.
There are parts of the story that are hard for me to read (the violence, for one) but, getting through that (okay, I skip read that part) still allows me to appreciate the tense mystery, the flawed yet interesting characters and intelligent investigative police work.
I am an obvious fan of this series now, and more than ever I want to get back to the beginning.
As it turns out, I have already reached my limit of library holds so I couldn’t order the next book in the series. (Okay, I admit it, I am a bit of an inpatient reader!)
So, I went to my local Library and took the available Karin Slaughter books off the shelf, which was this one and one of her stand-alones � not part of any of her regular series, titled, “Cop Town.�
Taking a chance, (meaning, I was going to give in to my inpatient self and not read the series in order � and actually begin a new series � also, out of order) I decided to begin reading this one, which immediately drew me in.
And then, I realized why you don’t read them out of order.
As it turns out, I learned that one of the characters that happened to be part of the Grant County Series (apparently, they criss cross series) was revealed to me as having met with a tragedy (yikes!), and now, I need to know what happened! Are you still with me?
So, now you get why some books that are part of a series can’t just be read as stand-alone books.
And of course, I read this one, which is #5 in another one of her series, so am I in serious trouble?!!!
Although, I have to admit, it did feel like a stand-alone to some extent. I know, I appear to be contradicting myself.
Even though I recognized the one character from her other series, and knew that the characters in this series had worked together, the story still flowed and kept me engaged. So, in many respects, I give credit to the author for making that possible.
To be honest, the story grabbed my attention from the first page, just as Blindsighted did, and didn’t let me go until I turned the last page.
There are parts of the story that are hard for me to read (the violence, for one) but, getting through that (okay, I skip read that part) still allows me to appreciate the tense mystery, the flawed yet interesting characters and intelligent investigative police work.
I am an obvious fan of this series now, and more than ever I want to get back to the beginning.
December 19, 2015
Fallen, the 5th in the Will Trent series, is hands down my favorite so far. I would give it more than five stars if I could.
This was a very personal story for some of the regular characters we have come to know, which in turn made it personal for me as well (I’m very much invested in these people at this point). This wasn’t just a crime to be solved. It was a crime that must be solved- and with no less than a positive outcome.
Faith Mitchell’s mother, Evelyn, is in serious trouble and Faith is unfaltering in her quest to save her. She already has a lot going on in her life, but to lose her mother would be devastating- especially under these circumstances.
Amanda Wagner shows a different side of herself in this book. Evelyn is an old and very close friend of hers- and the emotions Amanda reveals while working to solve this crime are evidence of that. I was surprised to see that she might actually have a heart- which has been questionable up to this point! She also sees quite a bit of action which was rather interesting as well as humorous.
Sara once again finds herself drawn into Will’s world, and becomes involved in the investigation. She’s not sure she wants to be there, but she has a soft spot when it comes to Will. There is finally a bit of advancement in their relationship, thankfully. Although, had it not been for her......
She had been so desperate for Will to fight for her that it had never occurred to her that Will was waiting for Sara to fight for him.
And then there is Will. Beautiful, beat-down, selfless, quirky, loyal Will. He faced a myriad of emotions while working this case not to mention the physical danger he was up against. Between Amanda’s split personality, Faith’s fragile condition, Angie’s cruel and usual bitchiness (that’s the only mention she will get from me, and she doesn’t even deserve that), and the increasingly undeniable chemistry between Sara and him- he found himself frustrated and overwhelmed at times. I just want to wrap my arms around him and tell him that everything will be alright. He has no idea how many women love him (in the reading world anyway!!)
Lastly, we are introduced to a new character, Roz Levy who is Evelyn’s neighbor. She was very interesting- to say the least. I wonder if she will grace us with her ball-busting presence in future books. And we again have the pleasure of seeing Charlie in action even if to a lesser degree than previous books. I like Charlie’s enthusiasm albeit a bit on the weird, geeky in a coroner’s sort of way.
I again would highly recommend Karin Slaughter's writing to the crime/drama enthusiast. This had plenty of gruesome, eewww moments as well as twists and turns that kept me guessing (although I did actually figure one part out early on). I loved it!! But even more- I love Will. ♥♥♥♥
This was a very personal story for some of the regular characters we have come to know, which in turn made it personal for me as well (I’m very much invested in these people at this point). This wasn’t just a crime to be solved. It was a crime that must be solved- and with no less than a positive outcome.
Faith Mitchell’s mother, Evelyn, is in serious trouble and Faith is unfaltering in her quest to save her. She already has a lot going on in her life, but to lose her mother would be devastating- especially under these circumstances.
Amanda Wagner shows a different side of herself in this book. Evelyn is an old and very close friend of hers- and the emotions Amanda reveals while working to solve this crime are evidence of that. I was surprised to see that she might actually have a heart- which has been questionable up to this point! She also sees quite a bit of action which was rather interesting as well as humorous.
Sara once again finds herself drawn into Will’s world, and becomes involved in the investigation. She’s not sure she wants to be there, but she has a soft spot when it comes to Will. There is finally a bit of advancement in their relationship, thankfully. Although, had it not been for her......
She had been so desperate for Will to fight for her that it had never occurred to her that Will was waiting for Sara to fight for him.
And then there is Will. Beautiful, beat-down, selfless, quirky, loyal Will. He faced a myriad of emotions while working this case not to mention the physical danger he was up against. Between Amanda’s split personality, Faith’s fragile condition, Angie’s cruel and usual bitchiness (that’s the only mention she will get from me, and she doesn’t even deserve that), and the increasingly undeniable chemistry between Sara and him- he found himself frustrated and overwhelmed at times. I just want to wrap my arms around him and tell him that everything will be alright. He has no idea how many women love him (in the reading world anyway!!)
Lastly, we are introduced to a new character, Roz Levy who is Evelyn’s neighbor. She was very interesting- to say the least. I wonder if she will grace us with her ball-busting presence in future books. And we again have the pleasure of seeing Charlie in action even if to a lesser degree than previous books. I like Charlie’s enthusiasm albeit a bit on the weird, geeky in a coroner’s sort of way.
I again would highly recommend Karin Slaughter's writing to the crime/drama enthusiast. This had plenty of gruesome, eewww moments as well as twists and turns that kept me guessing (although I did actually figure one part out early on). I loved it!! But even more- I love Will. ♥♥♥♥
September 19, 2024
Story & audio 4.5 stars**
Narrator Kathleen Early
Narrator Kathleen Early
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